In accordance with notice duly given under Procedure Rule 4, Councillor C Morris to move the following motion, duly seconded by Councillor V J Bell:
“In view of the current difficulties our community faces, Maldon District Council pledges to operate a food bank to help the vulnerable people of our district that will be located within the Council offices in Maldon, as well as any suitable location at Burnham-on-Crouch, as soon as possible.”
Minutes:
In accordance with Procedure Rule 4, the Chairman advised that a motion proposed by Councillor C Morris and seconded by Councillor V J Bell had been received.
Councillor Morris read out his Motion (as set out below):
“In view of the current difficulties our community faces, Maldon District Council pledges to operate a food bank to help the vulnerable people of our district that will be located within the Council offices in Maldon, as well as any suitable location at Burnham-on-Crouch, as soon as possible.”
Councillor C Mayes provided a detailed update to Members on the food hubs around the District and the work being done with partners and stakeholders such as the Community Voluntary Service, St. Peter’s Hospital and the Salvation Army along with numerous volunteers who were assisting in many ways. She highlighted grants received to provide additional resources and a number of campaigns supported by the Council and its Officers including food hampers, particularly those delivered over Christmas. Councillor Mayes advised that as result of this multiagency work she wished to make an amendment to the motion and proposed that:
in view of the current difficulties our community faces, Maldon District Council pledges to continue working with outside agencies to identify and support our existing food banks whilst investigating whether more food banks are needed within the District. This support may include offering assistance via website publicity as well as promoting a multi-agency approach to community needs.
This proposal was duly seconded.
Members debated the proposed amendment at length, noted the outstanding work being done by food banks across the District and comments were made regarding food banks and pantries currently operating within the District, ensuring continued support to these and use of the Council Offices.
In response, the Leader of the Council suggested that a report be brought to the Council (or Committee) with a feasibility study and commented how it would be impractical for the Council to set a policy at a meeting now.
During the debate Councillor Mrs P A Channer disclosed a non-pecuniary interest in this item of business as a County Councillor as Essex County Council had been involved in a lot of the associated work.
Councillor M F L Durham disclosed a non-pecuniary interest in this item of business in relation to the funding for the Heybridge food bank and that he was an ambassador to the Country Food Trust which distributed free meals to the foodbanks.
Councillor Morris, in response to the comments, provided further details regarding the current facilities available in the District and how he felt these were inadequate. He referred to the Trussell Trust and how its website directed you to Chelmsford when Maldon was entered. Councillor Morris felt that the District required an accessible, visible and reliable food bank and advised he did not support the amendment. In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) Councillor Morris requested a recorded vote.
In light of comments made Councillor Mayes further amended her earlier proposition as follows:
In view of the current difficulties our community faces, Maldon District Council pledges to continue working with outside agencies to identify and support our existing food banks whilst investigating whether more food banks are needed within the District. This support may include offering assistance via website publicity as well as promoting a multi-agency approach to community needs and the involvement of the Trussell Trust in discussions to improve the services District wide. That a report be brought back to the Council to provide further details.
Councillor Mayes referred to the Trussell Trust, mentioned earlier in the discussions, and how it provided food and support such as access to the Citizens Advice Bureau, GPs etc. Councillor Morris highlighted his support for the Trussell Trust and how it was important to have something central to Maldon which would benefit the District.
The further amendment by Councillor Mayes was duly seconded as was the request by Councillor Morris for a recorded vote.
The Chairman then put the proposal to the Council and the voting was as follows:
For the recommendation:
Councillors M G Bassenger, Miss A M Beale, B S Beale, V J Bell, R G Boyce, Mrs P A Channer, M F L Durham, Mrs J L Fleming, A S Fluker, M S Heard, M W Helm, A L Hull, K W Jarvis, J V Keyes, K M H Lagan, C Mayes, S P Nunn, N G F Shaughnessy, R H Siddall, N J Skeens, W Stamp, Mrs J Stilts, C Swain, Mrs M E Thompson and Miss S White.
Against the recommendation:
Councillor C Morris.
Abstention:
There were none.
The Chairman thanked Councillor Morris for brining this matter to the Council.
RESOLVED
(i) that in view of the current difficulties our community faces, Maldon District Council pledges to continue working with outside agencies to identify and support our existing food banks whilst investigating whether more food banks are needed within the District. This support may include offering assistance via website publicity as well as promoting a multi-agency approach to community needs and the involvement of the Trussell Trust in discussions to improve the services District wide;
(ii) That a report be brought back to the Council to provide further details.